Life Sucks Sometimes

Not mine, more like the circle of life. Allow me to explain: Today in between classes, I stole away to the Whitman campus to pursue some birds that fellow birder and photographer Jon Lundak had been seeing for the past several days. We were never able to find the belted kingfisher, but we did run into a flock of gorgeous cedar waxwings enjoying some berries.

In one of the ponds, we found a very cute family of ducks braving the 20 degree weather. Jon commented that it was highly unusual for babies to be born this time of year, and they would be lucky to survive.

While traversing the Whtiman landscaping in pursuit of the mallard family, I stumbled on a squirrel that was still fattening up for winter.

Eventually, I had to run back to class. Later that afternoon, I came back hoping to catch the setting sun lighting up the baby chicks. I didn't see the family anywhere, but there was one lone chick paddling around chirping for momma.

I figured he must have gotten separated from the others and just couldn't make it up the concrete sides of the pond. I considered scooping him up and setting him on the shore if I could get close enough, but the little guy never came within reach. Eventually, he paddled away from me toward the other end of the small pond. As I made my way around the bushes and an icy waterfall that lined the shoreline, I lost track of him. The squirrels were out again and I snapped a few shots of them before turning back to the pond. I still couldn't locate the little chick, but as I made my way back down to the shore, as small yellow figure caught my eye. According to the timestamp on my photos, a mere 5 minutes 49 seconds had elapsed between these two photos of the lone duckling.

He had washed up on the opposite shore of the pond, apparently succumbing to the harsh conditions.

Ultimately, I'm proud of myself for not interfering with mother nature. As heart-wrenching as it is, this natural circle of life is what ultimately gives nature its raw beauty.

So, do me a favor for the holidays: Hug, call or text your loved one. Life is both precious and fragile, and should never be taken for granted.